Quick Hits (9.12.11)

Are middle-class public schools as successful as their communities think they are? No, according to a report released today by Third Way, a Democratic think tank. The report looks at data from recent national math, reading, history, math, and geography exams and finds that low-income students are making more progress than middle- or upper-class students. (Wall Street Journal)

A guide to how for-profit colleges manipulate the job placement rates they report to regulators and potential students. One is reminded of the observation, “Some people are so busy learning the tricks of the trade that they never learn the trade.” (Higher Ed Watch)

Ten (alternative) tips for new teachers. Our personal favorite? “Don’t wear your really cool clothes to school. Your go-to daily wardrobe will consist of items that are comfortable, have pockets, do not reveal flesh (attractive or unattractive flesh) and are impervious to all bodily fluids and getting snagged on the pencil sharpener. . . . Corollary: never store your designer purse in your desk drawer.” (Teacher in a Strange Land)

Mrs. Lipstick had a baby girl! One of our favorite teacher bloggers is taking a little hiatus from teaching (but not, we fervently hope, from blogging) because she is a new mother. (Organized Chaos)